What's your major?

Crop Sciences with a concentration in Agroecology

Where are you from?

Mundelein, IL

Why or how did you pick your major in the Department of Crop Sciences?

When I first arrived at U of I, I was undeclared and part of the Division of General Studies. During my first semester, I took CPSC 112 (Intro to Crop Sciences) and absolutely loved it. At that time, I had developed an interest in plants—gardening and houseplants in particular. I became curious about sustainable agriculture and research in that field, which led me to choose agroecology. This field aligns with my passion for finding ways to sustainably feed the world while protecting the environment.

What is your favorite part of being a student in the Department of Crop Sciences?

The class sizes and being able to interact with faculty.

Tell us a little bit of what do you do outside of classes?

Outside of classes, I work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Robinson Lab, studying how early-life isolation affects the development of honey bees. I'm  also a lab technician in the Smith-Bolton Lab, where they focus on wing regeneration in fruit flies. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, going to football games, eating out, and studying. In my free time, I do photography and pen-palling.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I’m not entirely sure what my plans are after graduation, but I do know that I’d like to pursue graduate school for entomology at some point. To help me figure out my next steps, I’ve become more involved in research projects. Currently, I’m working on my senior thesis in the Robinson Lab, where I’m studying rearing light  conditions on sensory processing in laboratory-reared adult honey bees.

8. What is one thing you want people to know about being an undergraduate student in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois?

There are so many opportunities available, though at times it may not feel like it. You just have to be proactive and reach out for help to find opportunities that align  with your interests. It might feel intimidating at first, but it’s worth it. Whether you're interested in joining research projects, exploring interesting course options, or  making new friends, you'll find plenty of chances—especially in the Crop Sciences Department. The smaller class sizes make it easier to get to know your classmates and discover shared interests.